Collaborating to Address Trauma and Enhance Well-Being for Indigenous People

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) delivers some of the world’s most effective programs for alleviating population-wide psychological trauma and increasing resilience. CMBM was founded in 1991 by psychiatrist James S. Gordon MD, former long-time researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health and Chair of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy (under Presidents Clinton and G.W. Bush).

CMBM’s mission is to make self-awareness, self-care, and group support central to all healthcare, the training of health professionals and the education of our children. So far, CMBM has trained and supported over 7,000 clinicians, educators, clergy, and community leaders to integrate its evidence-based model into the institutions where they work and communities where they live. These individuals have gone on to serve millions of children and adults living in some of the most difficult places on earth.

The David and Lura Lovell Foundation grant will provide trauma relief and resilience-building support to indigenous tribes and tribal-serving organizations throughout Arizona. Over the past decade, CMBM has been supporting indigenous communities within the United States through collaborative, culturally informed programs. CMBM’s diverse international team includes a growing number of Indigenous leaders and advisors: Dr. JoAnne Riegert, Edwina Brown Bull, Alice Bad Heart Bull, Linda Eagle Speaker, Donna La Chapelle, and Erin Dixon.

Locally in Arizona, Dr. Noshene Ranjbar (associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona and faculty member for CMBM) will work with participants and CMBM leadership to facilitate the initiative. Dr. Ranjbar’s efforts are also supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leaders program, adding depth to the collaborative nature of this program. To learn more about Dr. Ranjbar’s story and work, click here.

Full scholarships will be provided for local caregivers and community leaders to attend professional trainings with CMBM. As part of their training, individuals will receive mentorship as they incorporate mind-body medicine skills within their communities. The goal of this collaborative initiative is to support tribal communities in addressing toxic stress and trauma, while enhancing the health and well-being of children, adults and families.